Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has joined with MPs from throughout Kent in writing to Southeastern to call for flexible tickets for commuters.
In the letter to David Statham, the Managing Director of Southeastern, the MPs write: “Many of our constituents will be returning to work in greater numbers during the coming weeks but potentially quite a substantial number will themselves be flexi-working with companies either requiring or are sympathetic to a combination of office and work from home days.
“This means that the value of a season ticket is removed and instead people are having to pay for the vastly more expensive peak day return tickets. This is not sustainable. Further to media reports that Great Western Railways have introduced a new “three days in seven” season ticket and another ticket that permits travel on any 12 days in a month, we would urge you to consider something similar for Southeastern commuters, including those who use HS1.
“We know that a large number of our constituents commute into the City and believe this would be hugely beneficial in light of the current circumstances.”
Gareth Johnson said: “We know that working practices have changed as a result of this virus and it would help people back to work if Southeastern were to change its ticketing systems too.
“Flexible ticketing arrangements are key to helping people who will have different working patterns than previously was the case. I hope they will respond positively to this message from Kent MPs and introduce flexible ticketing as soon as possible.”